Entertainment

Skype Group Video Calling Comes to Mac

Skype has finally released a beta version of its much-discussed and enhanced 5.0 application for Mac. Skype 5.0 for Mac is not an exact replica of the PC version — notably absent is Facebook integration — but it does introduce group video calling to Mac users for the first time.

The new beta version for Mac also packs a completely revamped look and feel within a single window interface, a control bar that sits atop web pages and documents, offline IM and SMS, integration with the Mac address books and a floating dial pad.

On the feature side, group video calling is a huge improvement that finally allows Mac users to participate in multi-party video calls with their PC counterparts.

Most noticeable, however, is the new Skype interface, which only vaguely resembles the previous look and feel of the application. The single window experience — separated into a left-hand sidebar and attached activity window — is perfectly suited for group video calls, but will likely be a bit unsettling for most users at first. The single window is quite large, UI elements feel jumbo-sized and once-standard features have been completely rearranged. Contacts, for instance, are now accessible from the activity window, while recent and favorite conversations are highlighted in the left-hand side bar.

In total, the user experience is drastically different than before, but the changes seem to pave the way for future Facebook integration and refocus the experience on Skype activity.

Watch the video below for a walkthrough of the new Skype 5.0 beta release for Mac.

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